Nairobi, Kenya — A man who has repeatedly claimed to be the son of President William Ruto caused a stir in court after refusing a transfer order to Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, insisting that the facility is “full of gays.”
Appearing before Milimani Principal Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi on Thursday, September 25, 2025, Nelson Ibrahim Kidero, also known as Nelson Muriithi, bluntly told the court he would rather remain at Industrial Area Prison despite its overcrowded conditions. “No, nirudishe Industrial Area, Kamiti ni kwa mashoga,” he declared, drawing murmurs in the courtroom.
Kidero is facing charges after allegedly trespassing into Bunge Towers while claiming he had gone there to look for his “13 wives.” In past appearances, he has maintained that he is President Ruto’s son, telling the court that his mother, Angeline Muriithi, links him directly to the Head of State. He has even gone as far as claiming ownership of national assets, at one point telling the court, “Hio CBK towers unaona ni yangu,” in reference to the Central Bank of Kenya Pension Towers.
Despite the eccentric claims, the court has stressed the importance of a mental assessment before he can take a plea. Magistrate Ekhubi noted that the evaluation at Kenyatta National Hospital is yet to be conducted due to a backlog of patients awaiting appointments. But Kidero has resisted the order, going as far as suggesting that it is the police officer escorting him who should undergo psychiatric tests instead.
Describing his experience at Industrial Area, Kidero admitted it was uncomfortable but preferable compared to Kamiti. “Industrial Area ni venye mnafungiwa watu wengi na mnalishwa vizuri huko; mnakulishwa githeri, mnakulishwa ugali. Mimi sitaki hio heri niende kwetu nitesekee kwetu Kayole, of which najua sitateseka,” he said. His remarks reflected both discontent with prison conditions and stigmatizing views of Kamiti.
The bizarre exchanges have highlighted concerns over mental health in the criminal justice system. Court officials insist that without the psychiatric evaluation, Kidero cannot be allowed to proceed with plea-taking. His case has also drawn public attention due to the inflammatory nature of his remarks and the high-profile identity he claims.
The matter is expected to come up again once the assessment is completed, with the court keen on establishing whether Kidero is fit to stand trial. For now, he remains at Industrial Area Prison, where he insists he is more comfortable, as the legal process inches forward.
Magistrate Ekhubi summed up the court’s position, stating that the evaluation is not optional. “The assessment must be done so the accused understands the charges against him and is able to respond appropriately,” he said.
As proceedings continue, questions remain not only about Kidero’s mental state but also about how the courts and prison authorities will handle his unusual claims and refusal to comply with transfer orders.
